Decision at Sundown 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Decision at Sundown" offers a visually stunning experience that is largely faithful to the film's original Technicolor aesthetics. This Region-Free release showcases an exceptionally detailed and vibrant picture quality that demonstrates a meticulous restoration effort. While the Blu-ray version is confined to Region-A, it's the 4K rendition that truly captivates with its refined color balance and clarity. Notably, certain scenes display a minor discrepancy in color calibration, with certain blues skewing slightly towards cyan, most evident in specific screencaptures such as the carriage scene (#17). Despite this, the overall color fidelity remains robust and authentic to the era's cinematic standards.

Detail-wise, the 4K upgrade is remarkably executed. The resolution enhancement brings forth an excellent to outstanding range in delineation, depth, and clarity, making the viewing experience especially immersive on larger screens. Viewers will appreciate the consistent grain texture that adds to the filmic quality without becoming obtrusive or uneven. This grain presence underscores the adept avoidance of intrusive digital noise reduction or artificial sharpening techniques, ensuring the movie's natural visual charm is preserved. However, slight variations in density noted around scene transitions are present, which seems to be an inherent trait rather than a restoration flaw.

Overall, "Decision at Sundown" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a significant improvement over previous home video releases, combining enhanced visual fidelity with an adherence to the original cinematic look and feel. The meticulous attention to color grading, coupled with the preservation of natural film grain, delivers a compelling visual presentation. Despite minor issues with color shifting in isolated instances, the release sets a high standard for classic film restorations in 4K. This release scores a commendable 4.75/5 for its video quality alone, making it an essential addition for both collectors and fans of classic Westerns seeking the ultimate viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Decision at Sundown" on its 4K UHD Blu-Ray release is furnished with a singular English LPCM 1.0 track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. This setup may strike some as minimalistic, especially in an era where multi-channel audio formats are becoming standard for home entertainment. Nonetheless, it's important to acknowledge that the included lossless mono track delivers a robust and faithful reproduction of the film's original sonic landscape. Listeners can expect a clear and undistorted audio experience that admirably preserves the film’s auditory essence, without any noticeable technical faults or glitches to detract from the viewing experience.

Despite its strengths, when placed side by side with the audio of "The Tall T," another film from the same era and with a similarly scaled production, "Decision at Sundown" exhibits slightly less dynamic range and aural depth in its soundtrack. Comparisons reveal that while both films operate under what one can assume are comparable budget constraints, the dynamic contrasts and overall sonic impact of "The Tall T" stand out as more pronounced and engaging. This observation isn't to diminish the quality of "Decision at Sundown's" audio track but rather to highlight a peculiar difference between two otherwise closely related film projects.

It is worth noting that these comparisons do not detract from the overall health and quality of the LPCM 1.0 track provided for "Decision at Sundown." It ensures that enthusiasts and fans of classic westerns are treated to an audiovisual experience that remains true to the film’s original presentation, preserving the intricacies and atmosphere of its soundscape. The absence of technical anomalies or distortions further confirms the care taken in transferring this classic title to 4K UHD Blu-Ray, ensuring that its audio presentation, while perhaps overshadowed by contemporaneous releases, stands firmly on its own merits.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray extras of "Decision at Sundown" offer a comprehensive look into the legacy of filmmaker Budd Boetticher and the making of this classic Western. The collection includes an insightful introduction by Taylor Hackford, a vintage trailer, and an extensive booklet with essays and technical credits. Notably, the bonus Blu-Ray disc features several archival documentaries and programs highlighting Boetticher's remarkable career, his transformation into a Western director, and his experiences outside Hollywood. These extras, ranging from interviews with Clint Eastwood to an archival audio interview with film scholar Jim Kitses and a new visual essay by critic Farran Smith Nehme on Randolph Scott, provide an in-depth understanding of the film's background and its significance in Western cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Archival introduction by filmmaker Taylor Hackford.
• Trailer: Vintage trailer for the film.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with essays and technical credits.
• Budd Boetticher: A Man Can Do That: Archival documentary on Boetticher's life and legacy.
• Cinema, de Notre Temps: Boetticher Rides Again: Archival episode discussing Boetticher's career in Hollywood.
• Budd Boetticher: A Stury in Self-Determination: Documentary featuring Hackford's interview with Boetticher.
• Visiting Budd Boetticher: Program recalling experiences with Randolph Scott and Burt Kennedy.
• Budd Boetticher and Jim Kitses: Archival audio interview on Boetticher's Westerns with Randolph Scott.
• Farran Smith Nehme on Randolph Scott: New visual essay on Randolph Scott.

Budd Boetticher's 1957 Western "Decision at Sundown", starring Randolph Scott, has made a triumphant entry into the 4K UHD Blu-ray collection, courtesy of Criterion. The film, part of The Ranown Westerns box set, benefits significantly from a recent 4K restoration by Sony Pictures, ensuring a visual treat that respects the original cinematic experience, enhanced by Burnett Guffey’s exceptional cinematography. Unlike typical Westerns of its era, "Decision at Sundown" deviates from the expected narrative paths and character archetypes, offering a nuanced story that prioritizes character development and moral complexity over clear-cut tales of heroism and villainy.

Scott's portrayal of Bart Allison brings depth to the classic revenge tale, revealing layers of emotion and conflict rather than a straightforward pursuit of vengeance against Tate Kimbrough (John Carroll). The film’s strength lies in its character-driven narrative, showcasing individuals facing moral dilemmas and personal growth rather than merely fulfilling genre expectations. This nuanced approach is further complemented by the film’s refusal to adhere strictly to traditional Western conventions, instead presenting a more ambiguous moral landscape where decisions and their consequences are neither black nor white.

Technically and narratively, "Decision at Sundown" excels as both a member of Budd Boetticher and Randolph Scott's celebrated collaborations and as a standalone piece within the Western genre. Its inclusion in the Criterion Collection’s 4K UHD release affirms its significance, offering a pristine viewing experience that highlights Guffey’s cinematography and Boetticher’s directorial choices. The film does not lean on expansive landscapes or a grand scale to convey its story; instead, it finds strength in its character studies and the complexities of human emotion and morality, making it a standout film that challenges and enriches the Western genre.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Decision at Sundown," as part of Criterion's "The Ranown Westerns: Five Films Directed by Budd Boetticher" box set, presents a notable enhancement both visually and contextually to the film's narrative and historical significance. The archival inclusion of Boetticher's reflections, particularly from "Bullfighter and the Lady," provides valuable insight into the director's intentions and creative process. These elements enrich the viewing experience by offering a glimpse into Old Hollywood's fabric and Boetticher's efforts to transcend its longstanding stereotypes. "Decision at Sundown" distinguishes itself within the Western genre by deliberately steering clear of the conventional dichotomy between good and evil cowboys, thus delivering a fresh and compelling narrative.

The meticulous restoration and presentation in 4K, combined with the critical archival extras, afford audiences both the visual splendor typical of the era's cinematic landscapes and a deeper appreciation for Boetticher's innovative approach to storytelling. Observations about avoiding clichés and the portrayal of nuanced characters underline the film's departure from traditional western tales, showcasing a director ahead of his time in challenging established norms. This release not only enhances the visual fidelity expected from a 4K restoration but also serves as an important educational tool by including commentary on Hollywood's historical narrative practices.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Decision at Sundown" within the broader collection of "The Ranown Westerns: Five Films Directed by Budd Boetticher" is an invaluable addition for cinephiles and scholars alike. It offers a rich viewing experience that combines exceptional visual quality with a deeper understanding of cinematic history and innovation. Its high recommendation comes not just from its technical excellence but from its contribution to preserving and appreciating the nuanced artistry of Budd Boetticher, making it a must-have for aficionados of classic Western cinema.